Treatment for cardiac arrhythmias

Abstract

The present invention provides a novel treatment for cardiac arrhythmias, by administering S-adenosyl methionine decarboxylase inhibitors, preferably 5'-({(Z)-4-amino-2-butenyl}methylamino)-5'-deoxyadenosine. It has been discovered that 5'-({(Z)-4-amino-2-butenyl}methylamino)-5'-deoxyadenosine, increases the P--R interval, increases outward current through inward rectifier K.sup.+ channels and increases the hyperpolarization, of cardiac cells, thereby reducing cardiac excitability. Specifically, the method involves providing an S-adenosyl methionine decarboxylase inhibitor; combining the S-adenosyl methionine decarboxylase inhibitor with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to provide a pharmaceutical composition; administering an effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition to a patient suffering from a cardiac arrhythmia, wether such arrhythmias are induced by disease or cardiotoxicity. As a result of the treatment with S-adenosyl methionine decarboxylase inhibitor, spermine and spermidine levels are lowered in cardiac cells, the P--R interval is prolonged, cardiac excitability is reduced and the incidence of ventricular fibrillation, particularly sustained ventricular fibrillation is diminished. The method of the present invention is useful to terminate, prevent or reduce the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, including, for example, ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation ventricular fibrillation, particularly sustained ventricular fibrillation, and premature ventricular contractions.